Universal Credit claimants to get online option to apply for advances in ‘spring 2018’

Written by Sam Trendall on 25 November 2017 in News

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New digital service to be created following £1.5bn support package unveiled in the Budget

Credit: Kin Cheung/AP/Press Association Images

The £1.5bn support package for the rollout of Universal Credit will include provision for people to apply online for advances.

Beginning in “spring 2018”, claimants will be able to use a digital service to apply for an advance on their first Universal Credit payment. The government has advised new claimants that it “usually takes about six weeks” for the initial payment to be made.

While they wait, recipients that find themselves unable to pay rent or buy food or other necessities can apply for an advance payment. Advances can also be issued if a newly reported change in circumstances affects a claimant’s payment schedule.